♡˗ˏ✎*ೃ˚ :Chapter eight: :;

"I wish you felt the same"

Binna couldn't stop thinking about Eun-gyeol's statement, 'I'll help you' and wondered what exactly he meant by that. She pondered how he could assist her and considered the possibility that he was referring to helping her win Yi-chan's affection. The thought alone made her cheeks redden as she contemplated the various scenarios where this could be the motive behind Eun-gyeol's offer of help.

Binna did not dislike the idea of having Yi-chan as a partner. However, she knew it would never happen due to Yi-chan's obvious infatuation with Se-kyung. The thought of being Yi-chan's partner still excited her. Binna understood Yi-chan's attraction towards Se-kyung as she considered her to be a beautiful and kind girl. Although Binna rarely interacted with Se-kyung, she was aware that Se-kyung was highly sought-after by the boys.

Nevertheless, Binna possessed the characteristics of an ordinary girl including a beautiful countenance but was burdened by her hearing impairment. People often remarked that she would have been greatly admired in school if it weren't for her disability. Nonetheless, would anyone desire her as much as Se-kyung? Who would be willing to build a life with Binna knowing that she is unable to perceive any of the auditory experiences of the world?

The idea of eventually being alone and dying without companionship greatly bothered her. It is possible that she may never have children or find someone who truly accepts her. It is likely that she is fated to be alone. All of these possibilities constantly occupied her thoughts and caused her distress every single minute.

Binna came back to reality as a person's hands moved across her field of vision. Eun-gyeol, with a smile, held her small notebook, which she relied on for communication, and began writing something on it, locking gazes with Binna's brown eyes.

"I said I'll help you, right? You need to come with me somewhere"

Binna looked puzzled, but still agreed. Even though she didn't know exactly what Eun-gyeol meant to help her with, she decided to go along with it, leading her to find herself in a scenario where they were holding hands as he led her to a place she didn't know at all.

Eun-gyeol's touch was remarkably gentle, and his occasional look to ensure her well-being melted her with affection.

As they strolled, Binna's inquisitive and astonished gaze carefully surveyed the surroundings. With a slightly agape mouth, she observed walls adorned with diverse forms of art, creating a sense of being in a heavenly setting.

Upon arriving at their intended location, Binna's lips formed a firm line as she came face to face with the entire group, including Se-kyung, who was joyfully mingling with them, seemingly oblivious to any concerns.

She anxiously looked around the room, trying to find a specific person. Her gaze unintentionally landed on Se-kyung, who was in the midst of an entertaining discussion with Yi-chan.

For some unidentified reason, she felt a pang in her heart as she observed their interaction. Why does it cause such emotional pain? Why does it sting to realize that he has feelings for Se-kyung instead of her?

Binna stayed in her position while Eun-gyeol walked towards Yi-chan and Se-kyung, evidently with the aim of engaging in a serious discussion with his father. Binna furrowed her eyebrows, questioning the reasons behind Eun-gyeol's insistence on keeping them apart. Nonetheless, when Yi-chan glanced at her and warmly greeted her, she promptly averted her gaze, going out of her way to avoid any interaction with him.

Binna nervously bit her bottom lip while observing Eun-gyeol and Yi-chan swiftly departing the location. Should she trail after them? Should she accompany Eun-gyeol?

"Hi" Se-kyung greeted Binna, tapping her shoulder to get her attention. When Binna turned towards her, Se-kyung smiled at her in a manner that made Binna uneasy. Binna swiftly turned away and attempted to catch up with Eun-gyeol, unaware that Se-kyung would halt her by grabbing her arm

Se-kyung then proceeded to communicate using sign language, which Binna was completely unfamiliar with.

Sign language? When did Se-kyung begin acquiring knowledge of sign language?

Se-kyung persuaded Binna to take a seat beside her, even though Binna had previously tried to avoid it, causing Binna to feel uneasy as she witnessed Se-kyung communicating through sign language, which Binna couldn't understand.

"Have you eaten?"

Se-kyung abruptly shifted her attention to the rest of the group and swiftly engaged in a conversation, making Binna experience a slight sense of jealousy. Binna fidgeted with the straps of her backpack, feeling uneasy and unsure about how to blend in with the others. Was it worth attempting to join the ongoing conversation?

Just as she was about to speak, Eun-gyeol abruptly went over to the group to grab Se-kyung by the arm, but Yi-chan intervened, preventing him from doing so. This caused Eun-gyeol to gesture towards Binna, who immediately glanced down at the ground with a bashful expression when everyone's attention was directed towards her.

After Se-kyung and Eun-gyeol departed, the rest of the group also left, leaving Binna feeling even more uncertain about whether to stay or go and await for Eun-gyeol. Binna pondered why Eun-gyeol had brought her here if he would ultimately leave her behind, just like everyone else.

The situation that made her even more anxious was being in the sole company of Yi-chan, who uncomfortably smiled at her without knowing how to address or discuss the events that had unfolded, referring to the betrayal of his friends who had abandoned him with Binna.

Binna had come to the realization of how Eun-gyeol intended to support her; he had become cognizant of Binna's emotions towards Yi-chan. It was likely that he was highly motivated to unite them, and it was pleasant to consider this as it indicated Eun-gyeol genuinely regarded Binna as a friend who wanted to assist her.

Binna shifted her eyes away uneasily as Yi-chan placed a glass of water in front of her before becoming restless. Binna was aware of Yi-chan's discomfort, but inexplicably, she was feeling very anxious herself.

"Hi" Yi-chan greeted, raising his hand, as Binna awkwardly looked away "Thank you... for saving me last time" Yi-chan clarified using sign language, causing her to feel even more perplexed and astonished

Sign language again?

"And I'm sorry. I didn't know... you saved me. And also. I didn't get to practice this" Yi-chan stated with a faint smile

Binna stayed immobile where she was. Was he already aware that she was the one who rescued him? Did Se-kyung disclose it to him? Is that why he visited her residence that night when she declined to meet him?

Yi-chan proceeded to grab Binna's sketchbook from the table and inquired "Should we see your drawings now?" Binna anxiously nodded, possibly feeling uncertain about receiving Yi-chan's endorsement

Binna experienced delight as she observed Yi-chan turning the pages, appreciating the splendid illustrations in the notebook. Yi-chan's responses filled Binna with anticipation. However, Binna's enthusiasm waned when Yi-chan halted at a specific page. Binna glanced at Yi-chan, puzzled, and momentarily focused on the notebook page. Once Binna recognized its contents, without any hesitation, she swiftly grabbed the notebook from Yi-chan's grasp so rapidly that he didn't have a chance to respond.

Binna clutched the notebook tightly against her chest, her heart pounding and her cheeks becoming rosy, as she continued to gaze at Yi-chan, who was uncertain about how to respond.

They sat in silence for a while, neither of them speaking. Binna observed Yi-chan's anxious and uneasy demeanor. It was understandable, considering someone as stunning as Binna was sitting right in front of him. The way she looked at him so profoundly made him feel as if his heart was about to explode, even if only for a brief moment.

"Excuse me" Yi-chan gestured with his hands to capture her attention "Is that...a drawing of me?" Binna, feeling embarrassed, affirmed with a nod "Why? By chance... do you... like me?"

Binna was filled with overwhelming emotions when faced with the question of whether or not to reveal her feelings. She questioned whether it would be better to remain silent or to openly express the strong emotions she feels whenever she sees him. Yet, after carefully considering the matter, she pondered if her affection for Yi-chan is truly genuine.

Yes, I like you

Was she permitted to convey her emotions, despite her strong desire to utter these words? It remained unclear whether she had the right to disclose her feelings to him. Cheong-ah was the one who developed feelings first, and it would be unjust if Binna abruptly took him away.

However, on the contrary, Yi-chan was experiencing great unease regarding what her answer might entail. He harbored a peculiar longing to hear her utter 'yes' while simultaneously his thoughts were still preoccupied with Se-kyung.

"Yes," murmured Binna in a hushed tone, prompting Yi-chan to place his hand over his mouth and swiftly distance himself along with the chair. Binna was attempting to comprehend what she had just uttered, for it contradicted her original intention entirely. She made an effort to retract her statement by exclaiming, "No! No!", but Yi-chan was already on the floor, his face turning red, either from embarrassment or due to Binna's unexpected response catching him by surprise

Author's note;

Please manage your excitement as this is only the initial phase of the dramatic events that will probably strain several of Binna's relationships, leading to sadness 😭

I have no comments on Binna's character, however, it appears that she is only beginning to adjust to the world beyond, as she has never interacted so extensively with fellow students before. It is saddening to note🥲

See y'all in the next chapter! 💕"